Push the Wall and Defy the Code: Neal Adams' Mentorship Legacy

The phrases "Push the Wall" and "Defy the Code" encapsulate the core philosophy behind the evolution of comics. "Push the Wall" refers to the inherent tension within the comics industry: on one side, artists, cartoonists, and writers are driven by a desire to explore and innovate, creating fantastical and exploratory narratives. On the other side, the business aspect has historically been conservative, with many industry veterans adhering strictly to tradition. This conservatism often manifested in concerns over "continuity," where creators working on long-running series like Spider-Man (e.g., issue #385) were expected to meticulously avoid contradicting anything from previous issues (e.g., issue #14), even if it meant characters would be impossibly old. This created a "hidebound" environment that stifled the experimental spirit of the creators. The goal of "Push the Wall" is to encourage a forward-looking approach, embracing new ideas and pushing boundaries.

Neal Adams: A Mentor and a Catalyst

A pivotal figure in this push for innovation was Neal Adams, an artist who significantly impacted the industry. His influence is highlighted through a personal anecdote from the author's early career.

The Cold Call and the Harsh Critique

The author, an unknown aspiring artist, cold-called Neal Adams's office. Adams's daughter answered, seemingly accustomed to such calls, remarking, "Is this Dad? We got another one." Upon meeting Adams and showing him his work, the author received a brutal assessment: "He told me just how awful my stuff was and didn't bother with using any sugarcoating, either. 'Where'd you say you were from? Vermont? Go back to Vermont. Pump gas, get married. You're no good, and you never will be.'"

Despite this harsh criticism, the author, determined, asked, "Can I fix it and show you again tomorrow?" Adams, with a growl, responded, "Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow." This exchange marked the beginning of a significant mentorship.

Who Was Neal Adams?

Neal Adams was a singular force in the comics world, effectively a "one-man generation." During a period when the comics business was struggling, offering low pay and facing public humiliation and self-censorship due to the Comics Code, Adams emerged as a beacon of change. The industry was seen as a "dirty punchline," with only a few individuals like Gil Kane keeping classic titles alive, though the quality of the books was often poor.

Adams, however, brought a fresh perspective and immense enthusiasm. He introduced a new, more realistic art style that demanded to be taken seriously, influencing an entire generation of artists not just through his work but also through his actions and words.

Continuity Studios and Mentorship

Adams established a studio in Manhattan called Continuity, which initially focused on advertising work. This studio became a crucial "halfway house" for aspiring comic book artists, offering training and mentorship. Adams became the guru of this space. The author, after his initial cold call, found Adams's number in the phone book, spoke to his daughter, and was able to meet him that very day. He began spending time at Continuity, starting with small advertising jobs like coloring, eventually progressing to drawing. Adams ultimately helped him secure his first comic book work.

The author expresses fascination with Adams's willingness to mentor, questioning how he managed to balance his own work, run a business, and dedicate time to teaching others. He also reflects on the "sliding door moment"—what if Adams had been too busy or in a bad mood and refused to see him again?

The Drive to Return

When asked why Adams agreed to let him return after such a scathing critique, the author believes it was his assertion that he wanted to fix his work. He didn't cry and leave; he demonstrated a strong desire to improve. It wasn't an extensive number of visits before Adams recognized his potential. The author then worked on small jobs for publishers like Gold Key Comics, often three-page assignments paying $25 per page, which was considered "paying your dues" in the industry. The author admits he was a "pretty determined little bastard" and would have returned regardless, having "banged on many doors before his."